With reference to the specialvote of £5,000 per annum for the assistance of the banana industry, what assistance is being given to the banana industry in Western Australia.

Senator Sir GEORGEPEARCE.The following reply to the honorable senator's question has been furnished by the Minister: -

The sum of £1,500 was provided during 1935-36, and the sum of £825 is provided for the current financial year to cover scientific research in connexion with the Australian banana industry. The allocation to Western Australia during 1935-36 was £130, and it is proposed to provide £100 during 1936-37 to cover investigations into the harvesting and transport of bananas from Carnarvon.